Things That Entertain Dogs When Not at Home

Sometimes you must leave your dog at home alone for a few hours so that you can work or run errands. Setting up a system so that your dog stays entertained and responds well to being left alone is the key to ensuring that you don't come home to ripped or ruined furniture or a destroyed house.

  1. Puzzle Box

    • Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, and they are motivated by the scent of treats to entertain themselves. Make a puzzle box to keep your dog occupied when you have to leave it home alone. Fill a box with crumpled newspaper, then insert tasty treats amongst the pieces of paper. Tape up the box securely with duct tape, and cut a few small holes in the sides. The holes will let the scent of the treats escape to tantalize your dog, and it will have a great time tearing up the box to get to them.

    Old Toys New

    • Just like a child, your dog becomes bored of playing with the same toys day after day. If you put some of its toys away and bring them back out after a few months, or even weeks, your dog will feel like it has new toys and become engaged and entertained by them all over again. Buy a plastic storage bin to house your dog's toys, and rotate them in and out of his play area.

    Doggie Door

    • If you have a dog-friendly backyard, install a doggie door so that your pet can go in and out while you're gone for the day. The freedom to go outside will not only entertain your dog, it will save you from having to clean up accidents later in the day. Purchase a pet door that comes with a locking panel you can slide down at night to keep raccoons and other unwanted guests from entering your house in search of food.

    Before and After

    • Make a habit of creating "before-you-leave" and "after-you-return" routines with your dog. Developing routines helps your dog get prepared for being left alone, so it is less likely to respond badly. Take your dog for a walk before you leave; give it a treat; ensure it has plenty of water and feed it. When you get home, set aside time to give attention to your pet. Walking your dog again, playing with it or just providing petting and pampering time are ways to reward your dog for good behavior while you were gone.